Conference was arranged on social work in Azerbaijan: current situation and perspectives

“Constitution” Research Fund arranged a conference entitled “Social work in Azerbaijan: current situation and perspectives” as a part of the Project “Strengthening social and legal environment for protection of persons with disabilities and children in Azerbaijan” in the frame of the program entitled “Enhancing the role of CSOs in promotion of socio-economic rights of the disadvantaged groups” financed by the UNDP Baku Office and EU. UNDP representatives, representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, staff member of the Ombudsman Office NGOs and media outlets took part in this event.   

The conference focused on topics about current situation and future perspectives in respect to public services; harmonization of social work in Azerbaijan with international standards. 

Mugalib Mahmudov, representative of the Ombudsman Office stated the significance of the social work, which targets at increasing social welfare, decent life and well-being of individuals and communities in protection of human rights. He also noted that the Commissioner proposed to adopt specific law regulating affairs in relation to social work targeting to help people living in hard conditions as well as to prepare professional social workers in tertiary education facilities, as a result of which the Law on social service has been passed that also define the social worker definition for the first time.  

Considering the Ombudsman’s proposals, 2011 human rights national action program, approved by the Presidential Order dated 27 December, 2011, aims for preparing healthcares, teaching staff and social workers in a view to increase quality of social service and inclusive education of persons with disabilities and children with limited health capacities. The implementation process of the abovementioned recommendation has undergone.

In addition, final year students of the social work specialty have the possibility to have internship with the Ombudsman Office.

The issues about reforms for protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, the related activity of the Ombudsman, harmonization of the relevant legislation, legal awareness of persons have been discussed at the conference as well.